Dashunde, there is total recoil energy, and there is perceived recoil.

Total recoil energy will be lower for the heavier gun.

As you alluded, though, perceived recoil will be affected by other factors. Low bore axis, as you mentioned, helps. Grip contour, grip composition, and grip fit to the shooter's hand are also big factors. (Fit includes trigger reach, IMO)

Having owned G30s and a G21, as well as several 1911s in full and Commander sizes, I perceive the recoil differently than you do. This probably means the 1911 design fits my hand better than does the Glock. (Actually, I am quite sure it means that.) It probably also means the Glock design fits your hand better than does the 1911.

Which all goes back to the OP needing to do his own direct comparisons.

My son is an LEO and he also recommended I get a Glock. He also as well as some on here pointed out the transition would be easier to a Glock from a revolver which also has no safety to get accustomed to taking off. Recoil should not be a problem with 45 acp because I am used to a 357 mag. He has carried a Glock daily on and off duty for several years and has complete confidence in them for both reliability and safety.
We are going shopping for a Glock for me. Since I reload it will not be all that expensive for me to hand load jacketed bullets for practice.

I have been carrying my model 19 with 4 inch barrel in an inside the pants holster and at times in a shoulder holster.

My son is an LEO and he also recommended I get a Glock. He also as well as some on here pointed out the transition would be easier to a Glock from a revolver which also has no safety to get accustomed to taking off. Recoil should not be a problem with 45 acp because I am used to a 357 mag. He has carried a Glock daily on and off duty for several years and has complete confidence in them for both reliability and safety.
We are going shopping for a Glock for me. Since I reload it will not be all that expensive for me to hand load jacketed bullets for practice.

I have been carrying my model 19 with 4 inch barrel in an inside the pants holster and at times in a shoulder holster.

Poppa? You sound exactly like my father. I want to hug you. lol...

Enjoy shopping for a Glock with your son! I recommend the Glock 21 first and Glock 30 second. I have and carry the 21.

Rebs, when you shop pay particular attention to the thickness of the double stack Glock 45's compared to their models in other calibers, the others are notably thinner and smaller in all dimensions yet still manage to have the same capacity.
The Glock 36 is their thinnest 45, but its still bigger overall than the Glock 26/27/33 and comes up short on capacity.

Lastly, there are Short Frame (smaller grip & trigger reach) versions of the G21 and G30.

The only thing that compares to a Model 19 is another Model 19. Best handgun ever. A Model 15 compares except the 15 won't shoot the .357. That's why the 19 is best EVER handgun. Accurate, lightweight, powerful, doesn't jam, uses .38 Spec for fun shooting. Just don't get better than a 19.

My most frequent method of carry is appendix IWB or Smartcarry and a full size 1911 won't work; I had 3'' 1911's for those methods and still went back to the subcompact 26/27/33 or 29/30 size Glock.

When I do carry strong side IWB, the 1911 is noticeably thinner (IMO it's main asset to me) than the Glock and therefore potentially more comfortable. Still, a Glock 23, or 32 is usually going on my hip.

My 29SF (10mm) can easily top the prior two pistols in the KE department and felt recoil isn't much worse since the slide is a little thicker & heavier. I've only tried one load and decided to stick with it since it's controlable, works 100% in my pistol and I've been able to duplicate the load exactly with my own handloads.
Hornady 155 gr. XTP @ 1,278 fps / 562# KE

I like Pearce +0 base plate with pinky rest on my 29SF and it definitely helps with control; however, on the 30SF the base is different, on both the factory 10 round mag base and Pearce, and I can't tolerate either. My pinky gets pinched with either of those; so, I use the flush fitting 9 round magazine and have no room for pinky.

All those numbers are actual averages from my pistols, not data from a website, calculation, or side of a box.

__________________
No internal lock or magazine disconnect on my pistols!

The Glock design is simple. Put your finger on the trigger and the saftey is off. In my experience the Glock is the better ccw gun. Not safer just quicker to draw and fire. You don't have to think about the safety, or having the longer trigger for the first shot!

Safer, hum now I think about it the Glock is safer after the first round is fired, in my experience with a DA autoloader. I hated having to decock my ruger p94. Glock!

I'd agree with Constantine's #5 post, and add that it's really a matter of training. You can do good civilian self-defense work with either but the 1911 adds a level of complexity that I personally don't want to deal with under duress. (Primarily its grip safety and the hand position needed to reliably depress it, and the light trigger...both can get you into trouble in a high stress environment.) I say this as a 50+ year lover of all things 1911. The Glock just makes more sense. Rod

__________________Our Flag does not fly because the wind blows against it, it is moved instead, by the dying breath of our patriots in uniform. Our Freedom is not free, it's been paid for many times over.
USAF Forward Air Controller, 5th Spl Forces,
An Loc, lll Corps, RVN, 69-70, Vietnam Vet '69-'73

I have the G19, G26 and a Kimber full length 1911. I actually find that the 1911 is more comfortable to carry. I use IWB holsters like the Super Tuck and local knock offs. Definitely carry the one that you are experienced with. Because in a stressful time, lack of competence equals disaster.

For carry I chose the Glock 27 since I conceal carry most of the time. I own a Glock 21 and will carry it at times although I usually pack my G20 when I head to the mountains. I like the way it says "bang". My vote for every day carry is the Glock 27... or maybe the G23 if the added length of the barrel doesn't bother you.

__________________Soldiers are dying every day to protect our freedoms. The least we can do is vote.

I own and have carried both. I prefer the Glock. I am a retired correctional officer and my last duty weapon was the Glock 21 .45. It is quite robust and seems better balanced than the 1911. However with proper training both are great carry pistols.

First, a M19 is an awesome gun and I would hate to see you give that up for CCW. Have you tried a good IWB like a Milt Sparks? I have their Heritage #1 and it makes a 5" 1911, pure joy, except the weight.

On to Glock vs 1911. You asked for safest. . .The 1911 would be safest. A cocked and locked 1911 has a manual thumb safety which snaps on and off rather "smartly." It also has a grip safety. For this discussion, we'll call those active safeties since they require some effort outside of pulling the trigger to deactivate them. With proper training, they can both be activated when holstering your weapon. Glock does not have an active safety and some Glock users have had trouble reholstering. The 1911's thumb safety could also be engaged when holding someone at gunpoint.

On the other hand, all Glocks are "drop safe" while only some 1911's are.

Glocks are almost always 100% reliable OOTB. 1911's while good, are sometimes not 100%. Shorter ones are worse. Some even argue that the short ones cannot be 100%. Mine, with maintained springs are 100%.

See the new James Bond movie? He is using his Whalter ppk I believe against the thugs who of course have Glocks with huge mags and double cylinder mags. He spent his and just looked at the gun like it was a waste of effort! Good fun.

Anywya, i love the thinness of a 1911, but is a bit more complicated for carry and I would not.

You could also look at the new single stack carry from SA xd and S& W I believe. They have great reviews and are not as thick as typical Glock

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